The Vivekananda Sevalayam at Thirumuruganpoondi in Tirupur has been ordered to be shut down due to the carelessness of the staff running the shelter home which resulted in the tragic death of 3 children and 11 other children falling ill and being admitted in hospital.
Tirupur: At least 15 children took ill with symptoms of vomiting, fever and fainting after their dinner on Thursday night at Sri Vivekananda Sevalayam in Thirumuruganpoondi area of Tirupur last night. Three children died while 11 children are undergoing treatment at a Government Hospital in Tirupur.
On Thursday, Minister M V Swaminathan and Tirupur District Collector, Vineeth, personally met the children undergoing treatment at the Tirupur Government Hospital and enquired about the treatment being given to them. The officials also stated that the cause of the illness would be fully known only after food samples, stools and urine of the infected children, as well as the post-mortem report of the deceased children are received.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Government has ordered the formation of a committee headed by senior IAS officer Manivasan to probe into the tragic incident and to conduct an inquiry under the chairmanship of the Director of Social Welfare Department, Valarmathi.
Social Welfare Minister, Geetha Jeevan also visited the Vivekananda Sevalaya shelter home in Thirumuruganpoondi area, on Friday.
Later, she met the children undergoing treatment at the Tirupur Government Hospital and enquired about their health.
Speaking to reporters later, Minister Geetha Jeevan said, "The incident which took place at Sri Vivekananda Sevalayam in Thirumuruganpoondi area of Tirupur is very sad. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was saddened to see the plight of the destitute children. Therefore, he has immediately ordered the formation of a committee and ordered an inquiry and asked officials to personally go and inquire into the matter.
During the inspection, it was confirmed that there were not enough facilities for the children to stay in the shelter home. It has also been revealed that no warden or staff had been appointed to protect the boys at night. The deaths were due to the carelessness and complacency of the private shelter management. Therefore, an order has been issued to close the Sri Vivekananda Sevalaya with immediate effect. The children studying there will be admitted to a Government home in Erode and will be protected under the supervision of the Government.
Legal action will also be taken against the administrator of Sri Vivekananda Sevalaya. Two months ago, the Child Welfare Board officials had inspected the shelter home in person, but now due to the absence of a follow-up inspection, those officials will also be investigated and action will be taken against them. As a precautionary measure, an immediate inspection of 13 shelter homes in Tirupur has been ordered. Though there are rules laid down by the Tamil Nadu Government that such shelters should not buy food served from outside, such incidents are still taking place since they are violating rules."
Minister Geetha Jeevan reiterated that legal action will be taken firmly at the conclusion of the inquiry by the committees constituted by the Tamil Nadu Government. State Information Minister Swaminathan and Senior IAS officer Manivasan, appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government were also present during the inspection.